3 Keys to victory for the Cleveland Browns against Kansas City
By Greg Newland
![Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to make a pass during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns Extras 4](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F15421278-850x560-e30942153a3ea02e97ec8e4cc1c0bfc9e9a85143e8cbdbe9271898828e9a018f.jpg "Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to make a pass during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns Extras 4")
2. The run game
The recipe for beating the Chiefs is not letting the offense on the field and get in a rhythm. The best way to do that is to run the football and chew the clock. If the Chief’s offense is on the sideline, it’s easy to try and force plays and could give the Browns a big advantage.
Two things that can’t happen. The Browns can’t get behind early. Baker Mayfield will not have success throwing it 60 times and trying to play catchup. The second thing, the Browns can’t lay off the gas and get complacent. Even if they would happen to get up two scores, the Chiefs can come back within a matter of minutes with their offense. No matter the situation, stick to the game plan.
Luckily for Cleveland, the chances of having a good day on the ground are extremely high. Nick Chubb is once again one of the best backs in the league, and Kareem Hunt will be more than motivated against his former team. The big question at this time, will Jack Conklin play? And if he does, will he be healthy?
In order to get this victory, the Browns will have to rush for over 175 yards on the ground and have at least 65 percent of the possession. Once the ground game gets going, look for Mayfield to try and take a few shots with a crowded box.